Mérida & the Northwest
Private Chichén Itzá Tours
A private Chichén Itzá tour from Mérida is a day trip with your own vehicle, driver and local guide, planned around your group's pace instead of a fixed bus schedule. Chichén Itzá is about 120 km from Mérida, a drive of about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Request a quote with your dates and group size and we will arrange pickup at your hotel.
Private Chichén Itzá tour options
Chichén Itzá is the best-known Maya site in the peninsula, with El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors and the Observatory. Climbing the pyramids is no longer allowed, so a good guide matters: the carvings, acoustics and astronomical alignments are what make the site worth the visit.
A Chichén Itzá private guide on the day explains what you are looking at, while the driver handles the road and parking.
- Early-start classic: pickup at around 6:30 to 7:00 so you reach the gate before the tour buses and the midday heat
- Chichén Itzá with a cenote swim at Ik Kil or a quieter nearby cenote
- Chichén Itzá plus lunch in Valladolid and a walk around the central square
- Chichén Itzá with a stop in Izamal on the way back
What's included
Bottled water can be arranged.
The entrance fee is about MXN 650 to 700 per foreign adult (2026) and is usually paid on top of the tour price.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
- Local guide for the main site, in English or Spanish, and other languages on request
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Mérida, arranged on request
- Fuel and highway tolls
- Not included: entrances, meals, drinks, tips
Sample private itinerary
Here is a typical day.
The site opens at about 8:00 and fills up by late morning, so the earlier the better. Bring a hat, water and cash for the entrance.
- 7:00 Pickup at your Mérida hotel; drive east on the toll highway
- 9:00 Arrive at Chichén Itzá, meet your local guide at the entrance
- 9:00 to 11:30 Guided visit of the main plaza, Ball Court, Osario and Observatory
- 12:00 Cenote swim and a break
- 13:30 Lunch in Valladolid or a roadside restaurant
- 15:00 Drive back to Mérida, arrive around 17:30
Private tour prices by group size
The private Chichén Itzá tour price depends mostly on the vehicle and the length of the day.
| Group size | Vehicle | Typical total (USD) | Approx. per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | Sedan or SUV | about $260 to $320 | about $130 to $160 |
| 4 people | SUV | about $290 to $360 | about $70 to $90 |
| 6 people | Van | about $340 to $420 | about $55 to $70 |
| 10 people | Van (up to about 10) | about $420 to $520 | about $40 to $50 |
Private vs. small-group tours
Neither option is better for everyone.
| Factor | Private | Small group |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Set by you | Set by the operator |
| Pace | Flexible, with extra time at your favorite stops | Fixed stops and times |
| Cost per person | Lower with larger groups | Lower for solo travelers |
| Pickup | Your hotel only | Often several hotels |
| Interests | Tailored | General |
Related private tours
FAQs
How long is the tour?
Plan on 10 to 11 hours door to door, depending on your pace and any added stops.
How much does a private Chichén Itzá tour cost?
Typical prices start at about $260 to $320 total for two people, and the cost per person falls as the group grows. Entrances and meals are generally extra.
Can the tour be changed on the day?
Within reason, yes. A private vehicle and guide can adjust stops and timing, as long as closing hours and the drive time allow.
Can we climb El Castillo?
No. Climbing the pyramids at Chichén Itzá has been closed to visitors for years, but you can walk the whole site and see the carvings up close.
Is pickup available outside Mérida?
Pickup can be arranged from other towns on request, and the price changes with the extra distance.
Want this trip planned for you?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We check availability with local guides and send back a price.